Pets Can Be Life-Changing! Here’s How To Keep The Experience Positive And Happy

Pets Can Be Life-Changing! Here’s How To Keep The Experience Positive And Happy

Whether single or with children, pets are a great addition to life. They add a dose of cute, a lot of funnies, and for those with pets who misbehave, they may also add a dash of spice to life.

Acquiring a pet is not to be taken lightly. It is, after all, a responsibility more than a mere acquisition. If you just want hugs, you better get a stuffed animal.

For single people, a pet is a welcome diversion. They are great for laughs, and they are great as companions, especially when your Friday nights mean stay-in nights. They also give you a welcome break from work, especially work-related worries. There’s someone to come home to. For some singles who have a bad partying habit, they may find that a pet would cause them to change their ways, simply because someone would be hungry and mad, and as a result, would trash their apartment in their absence.

For people with families, pets are a great way to teach your kids to be more responsible. Giving them tasks, such as feeding the pet once a day, while you feed the pet at other times, is a great way to teach them routine, not to mention putting someone else’s needs before theirs.

Overall, having a pet could be a positive experience.

On the other hand, having a pet could become a negative experience.

Acquiring a pet may not be all that it’s cracked up to be when:

You don’t take into consideration your schedule. If your schedule is too tight to add a pet to it, don’t bother. Better get a significant other, if a stuffed animal does not fill your need for hugs.

Your pet’s temperament wasn’t even in the picture when you got it from the store or the shelter. Some people have made the grave mistake of getting a toy-sized dog, only to find out that it has “Small Dog Syndrome,” a set of bad behaviors that small dogs are known for, because they’re so cute, people get manipulated by them all the time. So, before you get a certain pet or a certain breed, read up on it, and consider whether it’s the breed or the type of pet that would fit into your life.

To keep you and your pet happy, you better:

Set a feeding routine for you and your pet. Of course, your work schedules will work itself into this aspect. Most cats and dogs are happy to be fed twice a day, so that should fit you just fine; Feed it before you leave, and feed it as soon as you get home. That does mean less after-work parties, though!

Keep your pet entertained. What is ten minutes of play time with your pet? Remember that if you hug your cat too much, they will need to dissipate the energy. So after giving it the hugs, have it chase after a toy mouse, a piece of string, or a laser pointer. It will make for the lulz, less boredom for you, and a well-exercised and well-entertained pet.

Don’t be afraid to say “NO,” as well as to make use of leashes, crates, and other ways to confine your pet while you’re at work. Truth be told, most pet owners are scared to use the word “NO.” They think it’s a form of pet abuse. And then they cry buckets after their pets trash their home while they’re gone. “NO” is very powerful. Putting consequences and punishments in place for bad behavior would ensure that your pets know who’s boss. And crates, harnesses and leashes would keep them well-behaved while you’re away. Just make sure that you keep your leashed pets in a place where they don’t get entangled, so that there won’t be accidents while you’re away. You may also reserve a furniture-free, windowless, but ventilated room where you can keep your pets while you’re at work. This way, there’s nothing for them to break, and nothing for them to have accidents on.

Getting a pet is a life-changing experience: Both for you, and the pet. Beyond keeping the water dish full, and the meal times on schedule, make sure you and your family will give it ample attention and play time. Keeping a pet’s energy well-dissipated is important to keep it from trashing your apartment. Bear our tips in mind, and you will be in pet utopia!